About the team: Johnny Manziel is long gone to the Cleveland Browns, and the Aggies must answer whether they can win in the SEC without him. A&M's offense will look much more like a Kevin Sumlin enterprise, with emphasis on all skill players. The Aggies' biggest question, however, is on defense - again. Even an average defense might have shoved A&M into national-title contention last season (the Aggies scored 42 and 41 points against Alabama and Auburn, respectively, and lost both games) - and A&M is aiming for at least average on that side of the ball this year.

Coach: Kevin Sumlin, 20-6 in two years at A&M, 55-23 in six years overall.

1. How much of an impact will Myles Garrett make? The nation's top-rated defensive prospect in the class of 2014, he should make an instant difference in the Aggies' pass rush - and they need it in a big way (21 sacks total in '13).

2. Will quarterback Kenny Hill adeptly lead the offense? Likely, because he's been instructed to stay true to this offense's strengths - a solid line and a stable of swift running backs.

3. Will Sumlin's name be tossed around for other jobs along the way, including in the NFL? Sumlin was a hot name in 2013, and that proved a distraction to the program late in the season (he ultimately agreed to a $2 million raise, boosting his salary to $5 million annually). The Aggies aren't expected to compete for the SEC West title, meaning Sumlin likely will be able to go about his business of overall improvement in the program, minus outsiders trying to knock down his door.

Key games

The bookends to the regular season. The No. 21 Aggies will know exactly what they've got this year with a tough game at No. 9 South Carolina to start the season. Should A&M stumble, fans will demand improvement along the way, and whether the Aggies have will be evident in the final regular-season game, a home matchup against LSU on Thanksgiving night.

Outlook

The Aggies are still frightfully young on defense, which could again hold them back from a double-digit victory total (just as in 2013's 9-4 season). Even years, too, are equally scary for the Aggies under the current scheduling because they include SEC West road games at both Alabama and Auburn.